Shut In

Jessica, a young mother doing her best for two kids, suddenly finds herself trapped when a violent ex intrudes on their home and takes them hostage. With the clock ticking, she must outmaneuver him while protecting the children, rationing supplies, and keeping fear from breaking them apart. The story follows days spent in a cramped space where every creak and shadow could signal danger. As the threat closes in, she pieces together a plan that could lead to escape or end in catastrophe. The tension comes from intimate, real time moments and the pressure of trying to stay hopeful when help seems far away. Her courage is measured not by bravado but by the small acts that keep her children grounded.

Directed by D J Caruso, Shut In grows from an original concept by Melanie Toast. The 2022 thriller drama leans into claustrophobic intensity and sturdy performances, offering a compact but ferocious look at a family under siege. The production draws on intimate interiors and a restrained color palette to heighten tension, while the score underscores each bead of sweat and whispered plan.

The film earned about 304,106 in global box office receipts, reflecting a limited theatrical release and a niche audience. Its modest numbers are typical for micro budget thrillers that rely on word of mouth and genre fans. Appearing in select markets, it connected with viewers who appreciate tight storytelling and performances over big budget effects, and it found a small but dedicated following online.

Critics note the lean pace and the performances, especially Rainey Qualley as Jessica, with Vincent Gallo delivering a chilling foil. The movie probes resilience under pressure, the bonds between parent and children, and the gray areas that survival can force families to navigate. It also invites reflection on how captivity reshapes trust, power dynamics, and the meaning of safety in a home that should be sanctuary.